carpenter’s brace

device

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Last updated

June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

A carpenter's brace is a hand-operated tool used for boring holes in wood. It consists of a crank-shaped turning device, the brace, which grips and rotates a hole-cutting tool called a bit. The brace typically has a handle that is turned with one hand while the other hand pushes down on the top of the brace to guide the bit into the wood. Some braces feature a ratchet mechanism, allowing for rotation in one direction, which is useful for tightening or loosening screws in tight spaces. This tool is essential for various carpentry tasks, from framing to creating precise joints.12

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crank
The carpenter’s brace, invented about ad 1400 by a Flemish carpenter, may be considered the first complete crank, since it had four right-angle bends, with the arm and wrist of the operator forming the connecting rod.
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The carpenter’s brace, invented about ad 1400 by a Flemish carpenter, may be considered the first complete crank, since it had four right-angle bends, with the arm and wrist of the operator forming the connecting rod.
Read More